Quarterback Competitions Highlight Training Camps
As NFL training camps commence, several teams are facing significant quarterback battles. In one notable competition, Tua Tagovailoa is vying with Michael Penix Jr. Penix is recovering from a knee injury, which has limited his participation in summer workouts. Tagovailoa has reportedly taken most of the repetitions in the new offensive scheme, suggesting he has an advantage. The fit of Tagovailoa’s quick-trigger release with head coach Kevin Stefanski‘s offensive approach is seen as a factor in his favor.
Another quarterback competition features Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Watson appears to have an initial edge, despite Sanders showing improvement during the offseason. Watson has missed a significant number of games over the past five seasons. Sanders, who showed flashes during his rookie season, will need to improve his processing speed to succeed as a starter. This competition is considered open, with both players having a chance to start.
The Las Vegas Raiders are observing a battle between Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza. Head coach Klint Kubiak previously indicated a preference for starting a veteran quarterback to allow a rookie time to adapt. Cousins is familiar with the offense, while Mendoza is learning a new system. If Mendoza performs well in camp and preseason, he could potentially alter the team’s plans.
In another quarterback contest, Kyler Murray is competing with J.J. McCarthy. Despite assumptions that Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler, would easily secure the starting role, head coach Kevin O’Connell has stated it is an open competition. Murray has demonstrated explosive playmaking ability but has also been inconsistent and has injury concerns, similar to McCarthy. McCarthy’s performance last year was described as challenging, and he would need significant improvement to win the starting job.
Key Offensive Line and Receiver Battles
Beyond the quarterback position, several offensive line battles are underway. For the Chicago Bears, the left tackle position is a focus, with Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr., and Theo Benedet competing. Ozzy Trapilo is recovering from a patellar tendon injury and will not be ready for the start of the season. Jones was not playing effectively before his injury last season, and Wills has struggled with health, playing only 13 games over the past three seasons. Benedet is considered a long shot but could enter the lineup if others falter.
The Dallas Cowboys are also evaluating their left tackle spot, where Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas are competing. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has challenged Guyton to improve his play. Thomas, a 2024 seventh-round pick, reportedly improved in his second year, making this a legitimate competition. The Cowboys have sought improved left tackle play since Tyron Smith‘s departure after the 2023 season.
The Detroit Lions have several offensive line competitions, including at right tackle between Blake Miller and Larry Borom, and at left guard among Christian Mahogany, Ben Bartch, Juice Scruggs, and Miles Frazier. Miller was expected to start at right tackle, but Borom could contend for the role, especially if Miller has difficulties in camp. Mahogany has an initial advantage at left guard, but his performance last year raises concerns, potentially opening the door for Bartch or Scruggs.
The New England Patriots are addressing their backup receiver roles, with DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, and Efton Chism III competing. The additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs have created a crowded receiver room. Mack Hollins is expected to secure a boundary role opposite Brown in three-receiver sets.
Coaching Changes and Offseason Moves
Several teams have new head coaches as training camps begin. The Buffalo Bills will be led by Joe Brady, who was promoted from offensive coordinator. This marks a shift from the defensive-minded approach under former head coach Sean McDermott, who coached the team for nine seasons. Jim Leonhard will take over as defensive coordinator.
The Miami Dolphins have appointed Jeff Hafley as their new head coach. Hafley previously served as the Packers‘ defensive coordinator for two years. The Dolphins are navigating a season with significant dead cap space. They signed running back De’Von Achane to a four-year extension and re-signed tight end Greg Dulcich to a one-year deal.
The New York Jets are entering their third season under head coach Aaron Glenn. The team finished with a 3-14 record in his first season. Quarterback Geno Smith, acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders, will be under center this year. The Jets re-signed running back Breece Hall to a three-year deal and acquired defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat from the Tennessee Titans.
The Baltimore Ravens have moved on from long-time head coach John Harbaugh, who led the team for 18 seasons and won Super Bowl XLVII. Jesse Minter, formerly the Los Angeles Chargers‘ defensive coordinator, is the new head coach. Declan Doyle, previously with the Chicago Bears, will be the offensive coordinator. The Ravens re-signed quarterback Tyler Huntley.
The Cleveland Browns have a new head coach in Todd Monken, formerly the Ravens‘ offensive coordinator. The Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, receiving a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, a 2028 third-rounder, and Jared Verse. The team used the extra first-round pick on wide receiver KC Concepcion. The Pittsburgh Steelers are also under new leadership with head coach Mike McCarthy, as Aaron Rodgers enters what he has stated will be his final season.
The Cincinnati Bengals acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants using the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed him to a two-year extension. They also signed defensive end Boye Mafe to a three-year deal and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to a two-year deal. The New England Patriots acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles and signed wide receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal.
Training camps across the league officially opened in mid-July.
Source: nfl.com